Brantley Gilbert Reflects on Early Career Mentors and Paying It Forward on His Tattoos Tour

Brantley Gilbert spent much of 2025 on the road on his Tattoos Tour, sharing the stage with a rotating lineup of up-and-coming artists like Jackson Dean, Travis Denning, Austin Snell, and Payton Smith. 

For Gilbert, giving young talent a chance to shine is personal as he remembers the artists who helped him early in his career, opening doors and giving him the chance to reach bigger audiences. Now, he’s eager to pay that generosity forward.

“Guys that took me out on tour, especially in the beginning of my career, we were selling out bars and clubs and stepping our way up and really doing a lot without a deal. So, when we could get on shows with big names like that, it  was a huge thing because my entire business model was tourin’. Havin’ the opportunity to get in front of crowds that we hadn’t built in bars and clubs was an amazing thing,” he shared. “And all the way through my career I feel like those guys have continued to reach out and do right by me, and I can never say thank you enough. But I mean, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw is another one of those people, Willie Nelson is another one of those people. You know, we had the opportunity to play on some amazing tours.” 

As the Tattoos Tour keeps rolling into 2026, Brantley’s proving that the best part of success is helping the next generation find theirs.

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The Georgia native recently embarked on a new chapter of his career after signing a new record deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. He made the announcement from the stage during a recent stop on his tour. 

“I’m fired up to kick off this next chapter with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville,” Gilbert stated following the show. “They support their artists in ways that really move the needle, and it means a lot that they believe in what we’re building and want to be a part of it. We’ve got some big things on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to having this crew in my corner as we take it to the next level.”

“I’ll never forget years ago when JoJamie Hahr came into my office on fire about an independent artist named Brantley Gilbert,” added Jon Loba, BMG Americas President of Frontline Records. ”From my first listen, it was easy to hear what she was so excited about. He proved her right, exploding into the mainstream of Country music. He continues to be one of the most exceptional writers of today with the live show to match. We saw the rabid connection he’s built with his audience again Friday night at First Bank Amphitheater. JoJamie and I dreamed of one day working again with Brantley. Luckily for us and BMG, dreams come true!”

As fans await the arrival of new music, they can keep up with Brantley Gilbert on Instagram.